Wolcott, The Rev. Gerald B. 'Jerry'

The Rev. Gerald B. “Jerry” Wolcott, 84, of West Des Moines, died Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2013.

Jerry was born in Davenport, Iowa, to Royce and Edna (Miller) Wolcott. He graduated from Iowa Wesleyan College and Garrett Evangelical Theological College in Evanston, Ill. He was united in marriage to Ruth Prehn on Aug. 9, 1953.

Jerry was ordained in Clinton, Iowa, on Feb. 12, 1956, and was a member of the Iowa Conference of the United Methodist Church. He retired in 1992. During his retirement, he and Ruth enjoyed clown ministry and touched many lives through church, hospital and children's programs. Over the years, Jerry also loved walking his Pugs, golfing and wintering in Arizona.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Ruth; his son, Jim (Sue) Wolcott of Sioux City; his daughter, Jeri (Jeff) Daniels; son, Joel (Karen) Wolcott; and grandchildren Matthew (Megan) Wolcott, Amanda (fiance Joel Hugunin) Wolcott, Ben (Mackenzie) Keenan, Tom Keenan, and Jillian and Kyle Wolcott; and stepgrandchildren, Jessi and Bobby Daniels.

Jerry enjoyed spending time in daily Bible devotions with Ruth and family time with his children and grandchildren. He would encourage you to make that same commitment and grow your relationship with Jesus.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 5, at Valley United Methodist Church, West Des Moines, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. Private burial will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be directed to Valley United Methodist Church.

Westover Funeral Home in Des Moines is handling arrangements.

Online condolences are welcome at .

Published in The Gazette Jan. 3, 2013.